Grandin overcame autism to become one of the top scientists in humane livestock handling.

After a difficult childhood, during which she was called "tape recorder" at school because of her continued repetition of phrases, she graduated with degrees from several universities and wrote well-regarded papers on animal welfare.

Danes will portray Grandin from high school to her post-academic years.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard) is in line to direct the film from a script by Christopher Monger.

Emily Gerson Saines, an executive producer on the project, told The Hollywood Reporter: "I made a commitment to Temple that I was going to make it and make it right. I never pushed to get it made until now, because now we got it right."